Starbucks Maple Pecan Latte at Home

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Author: Opera Cook
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A latte with creamy foam and crushed pecans on top, surrounded by fall leaves.

The Maple Pecan Latte Everyone’s Craving

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, one flavor combo rises to the top of every fall foodie’s list: maple and pecan. Sweet, buttery, and perfectly nutty, it’s a match made for warm drinks—and no one nailed it quite like Starbucks when they released their iconic Maple Pecan Latte.

Now, you can recreate this cozy drink at home—no special equipment or syrups needed. Whether you’re sipping it during a morning work-from-home session or winding down on a chilly evening, this latte will quickly become your go-to autumn indulgence.


Why You’ll Love This Homemade Maple Pecan Latte

  • 🍁 Rich fall flavor with real maple and toasted pecan notes

  • 🧡 Better than Starbucks – no artificial flavoring

  • 💸 Budget-friendly – skip the daily café runs

  • Customizable – make it vegan, sugar-free, or iced

  • 🕒 Ready in under 10 minutes


What’s in the Starbucks Maple Pecan Latte?

The original Starbucks version (seasonal and limited) includes:

  • Espresso

  • Steamed milk

  • Maple pecan flavored syrup

  • Autumn sugar topping (with spices and sugar)

  • Whipped cream (optional)

Our homemade version stays true to the flavor, but upgrades the ingredients with real maple syrup, toasted pecans, and your milk of choice.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Latte Base:

  • 2 shots espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee

  • ¾ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (Grade A preferred)

  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1–2 tablespoons toasted pecan milk or pecan butter (optional for nutty boost)

Toppings (Optional but Recommended):

  • Whipped cream or frothed milk foam

  • Chopped toasted pecans

  • Drizzle of maple syrup

  • Dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg


Equipment Needed

  • Espresso machine or coffee maker

  • Milk frother, whisk, or French press

  • Small saucepan (optional)

  • Blender (optional, for pecan milk or pecan latte base)

  • Mug or heatproof glass


Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Maple Pecan Latte at Home


🔥 Step 1: Brew Your Coffee or Espresso

Brew 2 shots of espresso or ½ cup of strong coffee. A dark roast works best to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.

💡 No espresso machine? Use instant espresso powder, French press coffee, or cold brew concentrate.


🥛 Step 2: Heat and Froth Your Milk

In a small saucepan, heat ¾ cup of milk over low-medium heat until hot but not boiling.

Use a frother or whisk to foam the milk. You want it light and creamy with a nice top layer of foam.

☁️ Pro Tip: Oat milk and whole milk froth beautifully. Almond milk can work with a bit more effort.


🍯 Step 3: Make the Maple Pecan Mixture

In a mug or small saucepan, combine:

  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

  • ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon

  • (Optional) 1–2 tbsp toasted pecan milk or pecan butter for deeper nutty flavor

Warm gently if needed, and stir until smooth.


☕ Step 4: Assemble Your Latte

To your mug, add:

  1. The brewed espresso or coffee

  2. The maple pecan syrup mixture

  3. Stir well to combine

  4. Pour over the steamed milk

  5. Spoon foam on top


🍂 Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top your latte with:

  • Whipped cream (or frothed milk foam)

  • A drizzle of maple syrup

  • Chopped toasted pecans

  • A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

Enjoy immediately for the full cozy café experience!


Make It Iced: Iced Maple Pecan Latte Instructions

Prefer it cold? Try this refreshing iced version:

  1. Brew espresso or strong coffee and let it cool

  2. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla to a glass

  3. Pour in cold milk and coffee

  4. Stir and top with ice

  5. Garnish with whipped cream and pecans

Ingredient Swaps & Customizations


🥥 Dairy-Free or Vegan Version

Use:

  • Oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk

  • Coconut whipped cream

  • Make or buy pecan milk for extra flavor


🍬 Low Sugar or Sugar-Free Version

  • Use sugar-free maple-flavored syrup or monk fruit maple syrup

  • Skip whipped cream or use a sugar-free alternative

  • Add more cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor depth


☕ Caffeine-Free or Decaf

Use:

  • Decaf espresso or coffee

  • Or skip coffee altogether and use warm pecan milk + maple + spices for a maple pecan steamer

What Does a Maple Pecan Latte Taste Like?

  • 🍁 Sweet and earthy from the maple

  • 🌰 Nutty and warm from the pecans

  • 🧈 Buttery smooth texture from milk and syrup

  • 🍪 Spiced comfort from cinnamon and vanilla

It tastes like fall in a mug—cozy, nostalgic, and indulgent without being overpowering.


Storage Tips

  • The maple pecan syrup mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

  • Reheat gently before using.

  • You can also make and freeze pecan milk cubes for quick blending!


FAQs – Maple Pecan Latte Copycat

❓ Can I use pecan extract?

Yes! If you can find it, add just a drop or two to your latte mixture. It adds an authentic nutty flavor without needing pecan milk.


❓ Can I toast my own pecans?

Absolutely! Simply toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Let cool before topping.


❓ Is this the same as Starbucks?

This recipe is inspired by Starbucks but uses real, whole ingredients instead of syrups with preservatives. Many fans say it’s better than the original—and more customizable!


❓ How can I make it stronger?

Use 3 shots of espresso or a stronger coffee base. You can also add instant espresso powder directly to the milk for an extra caffeine kick.


❓ Can kids drink this?

Yes—just use decaf coffee or warm pecan milk instead of espresso for a kid-friendly fall treat.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Sip of Fall

This homemade Maple Pecan Latte is more than just a drink—it’s a warm hug in a mug. Rich with fall flavor, easy to make, and endlessly customizable, it brings all the goodness of your favorite café order straight to your kitchen.

Whether you’re relaxing on a Sunday morning or rushing out the door, this comforting blend of maple, spice, and nutty pecan flavor will give you all the cozy autumn vibes—without the drive-thru.


🍂 Save It, Share It, Sip It Again

If you tried this recipe:

  • 📌 Save it to Pinterest

  • 📸 Snap a photo and tag #MaplePecanLatte

  • 📝 Leave a comment and share your twist!

Opera Cook!
Opera Cook

Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Opera Cook, a passionate home cook sharing tried-and-true comfort recipes made with love. Whether you’re craving fluffy pancakes, rustic bread, or rich chocolate desserts—you’re in the right place. Let’s bake something wonderful together!

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